Live Through This: rock nyc Top Concert Picks Week Of July 30th, 2018

I am choosing the Carters “On The Run II,” at MetLife despite having been less than thrilled at “On The Run I,” (my review here) and firm in my belief that Beyonce and Jay Z have peaked. Lemonade was Bey’s moment, Jay’s last undeniable moment maybe Holy Grail, certainly Everything Is Love sucked. The duo are so woke I want to stick an ambient in their Armand de Brignac Brut. rock nyc writer Miriam El-Djazairy reviewed the tour when it reached Scotland and was impressed, but she is a super fan. Me? I’ve had problems with Jay Z on stage ever since his sublime MSG “Fade To Black” gig in 2003 and his temporary retirement. I never loved him the same way since his return. But even so, the Thursday, Friday gigs must be considered a must see if only to help you remember exactly what you hate.

Monday – The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore – Jones Beach – Kesha was awesome at Hammerstein last year, Macklemore is unspeakable.

Monday – Peter Asher – City Winery – The last time I saw Peter on stage, maybe five years ago, he had some of the best Beatles stories I’ve ever heard.

Tuesday – Amanda Shires – Bowery Ballroom – Mrs. Jason Isbell to you, I thought she was terrific when I caught her at City Winery a coupla years ago though her recorded work is a little weak.

Wednesday – The Smashing Pumpkins: Shiny And Oh So Bright Tour – Madison Square Garden – I caught em in the Mellon Collie tour, back in the days when Billy was wearing his Zero tee shirt, and they were terrible. So the selling point that this is early SP is lost on me. You might think otherwise.

Wednesday – My Bloody Valentine – Hammerstein Ballroom – The only previous time I saw these loud and beautiful shoegazers I was sick with a cold and I hadn’t wangled a seat and I was still blown away, this time I am prepared.

Thursday – Jimmy Buffett – Jones Beach – Everybody should see him at least once, I’ve already suffered for his art so now it’s your turn.

Saturday – 70’s Soul Jam – Old School Classic Edition: The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Heatwave, Carl Carlton – Betcha by golly wow that this is an excellent line up

Saturday – The 2018 U.S. Air Guitar National Finals – Rough Trade – Oooooh, that sounds like a fun evening!

Sunday – Beres Hammond & Friends – Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk – One of our greatest living reggae stars, he is incomparable in 2018 and a must see.